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Impaired driving continues to kill or injure more Canadians than any other crime. File photo/CentralAlbertaOnline
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National Impaired Driving Prevention Week runs from March 16-22 and is a reminder to Albertans of the consequences of impaired driving due to alcohol, drugs, fatigue, or distraction.

All of which could have devastating consequences.

  • Impaired driving, whether by drugs or alcohol, continues to kill or injure more Canadians than any other crime. Alcohol, drugs, cannabis, over-the-counter and/or prescription medications can impact your judgment, coordination, and reaction time behind the wheel (Public Safety Canada). Plan ahead and ensure you have a designated driver or a safe ride home. Impaired driving is not just a legal issue—it’s a matter of life and death.
  • Fatigued driving can also present many dangers. At 100 km/h, a driver can travel 150 meters in only six seconds. This means that a driver's eyes need to be closed for only three or four seconds before they could face disastrous consequences (Public Safety Canada).
  • Distracted driving can put motorists, passengers, and other road users at risk. Texting, switching songs, adjusting a GPS, may seem harmless, but that second where your attention is diverted could result in a motor vehicle collision.

“Impaired driving doesn’t just apply to cars – it also applies to motorcycles, boats, ATVs, snowmobiles, and other off-highway vehicles (OHV),” says Sgt. Darrin Turnbull, Alberta RCMP Traffic. “No matter what, you should never operate a motorized vehicle while impaired, and you should do everything in your power to be alert behind the wheel. If you suspect someone is driving impaired, call 911.”

 

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